Recent Developments on the Thermal Properties, Stability and Applications of Nanofluids in Machining, Solar Energy and Biomedicine

Glauco Nobrega,Ana S Moita,Rui A Lima,João E Ribeiro,Reinaldo Rodrigues De Souza,Inês M Gonçalves

doi:10.3390/app12031115

Abstract

In this review work, the recent progress made in the use of nanofluids (NFs) applied in three specific areas will be presented: machining, solar energy, and biomedical engineering. Within this context, the discussions will be guided by emphasizing the thermal and stability properties of these fluids. In machining, NFs play a prominent role in the processes of turning, milling, drilling, and grinding, being responsible for their optimization as well as improving the useful life of the tools and reducing costs. In the solar energy field, NFs have been used in the thermal management of the panels, controlling and homogenizing the operating temperature of these systems. In the biomedical area, the advantages of using NFs come from the treatment of cancer cells, the development of vaccines before the improvement of diagnostic imaging, and many others. In all lines of research mentioned in this study, the main parameters that have limited or encouraged the use of these fluids are also identified and debated. Finally, the discussions presented in this review will inspire and guide researchers in developing new techniques to improve the applications of NFs in several fields.

Highlights

Nanofluids (NFs) are a colloidal mixture of nanoparticles (NP) (1–100 nm) suspended in a fluid base [1,2]
There are applications of nanofluids in various heat exchange systems for engines, solar panels, nuclear, and space areas, as well as their use in biomedical, machining, and energy storage [2].The greatest interest to use is the potential improvement in the heat transfer properties of current fluids
The results showed a significant increase in thermal conductivity when a very low concentration of NPs was placed

Summary

Introduction

Nanofluids (NFs) are a colloidal mixture of nanoparticles (NP) (1–100 nm) suspended in a fluid base [1,2]. The improvement of thermal properties by adding NPs to the base fluid is due to a large specific surface area that allows a large heat exchange, Brownian movement, and the possibility of varying the properties by raw material, in addition to permitting a more efficient use of pumps requiring smaller cooling systems [2]. There are applications of nanofluids in various heat exchange systems for engines, solar panels, nuclear, and space areas, as well as their use in biomedical, machining, and energy storage [2].The greatest interest to use is the potential improvement in the heat transfer properties of current fluids. NFs and NPs with thermoelectric effect allow the creation of electricity and thermal energy co-generators in solar light absorption systems In this context, the optical properties of nanofluids can open doors to the improvement of solar collectors [22]. A concise review of each topic is presented to demonstrate the limitations and possibilities of this type of technology

Thermal Properties

Stability of Nanofluids

Solar Panels and Collectors

Findings

Biomedicine